Air conditioner for vehicle

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle. The air conditioner for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body and an electric dust collection assembly. The electric dust collection assembly includes an electrification apparatus for electrifying dust particles in the air and a collector for collecting dust particles electrified by the electrification apparatus and removing the dust particles from the air. At this time, the electrification apparatus and the collector are formed to be capable of being separated by a separate device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/049,533, filed on Jul. 30, 2018, which claims priority to KoreanPatent Application Serial No. 10-2018-0084913, filed on Jul. 20, 2018.The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an air conditioner for a vehicle.

An air conditioner is a device for keeping the air in a predeterminedspace in a most suitable condition according to use and purpose.Generally, in the air conditioner, a compressor, a condenser, anexpansion device, and an evaporator are provided, and a refrigerationcycle for compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating arefrigerant is driven to cool or heat the predetermined space.

The predetermined space may be variously proposed according to the placewhere the air conditioner is used. For example, in a case where the airconditioner is installed in a home or an office, the predetermined spacemay be an indoor space of a house or a building.

In addition, the predetermined space may correspond to the interior of avehicle. Accordingly, the air conditioner for cooling or heating theinterior of the vehicle can be classified as an air conditioner for avehicle.

At this time, the air conditioner or the air conditioner for a vehiclemay include an electric dust collector for electrifying and collectingdust particles in the air. In addition, the electric dust collector maybe installed in a product other than the air conditioner, or the like,and for example, the electric dust collector may be installed in an aircleaner, a humidifier, or the like. In addition, the electric dustcollector can be independently installed in the air to remove dust inthe air.

At this time, the following prior art relating to an electric dustcollector installed in the air conditioner for a vehicle has been filedand disclosed.

Related Art 1

1. Korea patent publication number: 10-2016-0015640 (publication date:Feb. 15, 2016)

2. Title of Invention: Electric dust collector for vehicle

As described in the above-mentioned related art 1, the electric dustcollector is mounted on the vehicle air conditioner in a state where thefilter unit and the electrification unit are integrally formed with eachother. In addition, the electrification unit includes an electrificationplate having a plurality of circular through-holes and anelectrification pin installed on the center of the through-hole. Dustparticles passing through the electrification plate and theelectrification pin are electrified and collected in the filter unit.

The related art 1 has the following problems.

(1) Compared with the filter unit in which electrified dust particlesare collected, an electrification unit for electrifying dust particleshas relatively long replacement and cleaning cycles or can be usedsemi-permanently. At this time, since the filter unit and theelectrification unit are formed integrally, it is impossible to replaceor clean the filter unit and the electrification unit, individually.

(2) In addition, in order to replace and clean the filter unit, there isa problem that all of the electric dust collectors including theelectrification unit have to be separated from the air conditioner for avehicle.

SUMMARY

In order to solve such a problem, the objective of the presentembodiment is to propose an air conditioner for a vehicle which includesan electrification apparatus for electric dust collection whichelectrifies dust particles in the air and a collector for electric dustcollection which collects the electrified dust particles, separately.

In addition, an objective of the present invention is to provide an airconditioner for a vehicle in which spaces for installing theelectrification apparatus for electric dust collection and the collectorfor electric dust collection are divided.

The air conditioner for a vehicle according to the teachings of thepresent invention includes a main body in which a suction port and adischarge port are formed, and an electric dust collection assemblyinstalled inside the main body so as to remove dust particles and thelike from the air introduced into the suction port. The electric dustcollection assembly includes an electrification apparatus forelectrifying dust particles in the air and a collector for collectingdust particles electrified by the electrification apparatus and removingthe dust particles from the air. At this time, the electrificationapparatus and the collector are formed to be capable of being separatedby a separate device.

Meanwhile, the air conditioner for a vehicle according to the teachingsof the present invention includes a main body in which a suction portand a discharge port are formed, and an electric dust collectionassembly installed inside the main body so as to remove dust particlesfrom the air introduced into the suction port. The electric dustcollection assembly includes an electrification apparatus forelectrifying dust particles in the air and a collector for collectingdust particles or the like electrified by the electrification apparatusand removing the dust particles from the air.

In addition, the main body is provided with a dust collectioninstallation portion in which the electrification apparatus and thecollector are installed.

At this time, the dust collection installation portion may include afirst installation hole into which the electrification apparatus isinserted and a second installation hole into which the collector isinserted.

According to the proposed embodiment, the electrification apparatus forelectric dust collection and the collector for electric dust collectioncan be separated into separate devices and installed in the airconditioner for a vehicle. Accordingly, each device can be more easilymanaged, and each device can be managed separately.

Particularly, the replacement cycle and the cleaning cycle of theelectrification apparatus and the collector are different from eachother. Accordingly, since only the device requiring replacement orcleaning can be separated from the air conditioner for a vehicle, thereis an advantage that convenience to the user can be provided.

In addition, the electrification apparatus and the collector areinstalled separately in the air conditioner for a vehicle. Accordingly,there is an advantage that each device can be inserted into or separatedfrom the dust collection installation portion more conveniently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air conditioner for a vehicle and anelectric dust collection assembly installed therein according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views illustrating the electrification apparatus foran electric dust collection of the air conditioner for a vehicleaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating the electrification apparatusfor electric dust collection of the air conditioner for a vehicleaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an air conditioner for a vehicle accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention and an electric dustcollection assembly installed therein.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the air conditioner for a vehicle and theelectric dust collection assembly installed therein according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be describedin detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It is to be noted that,in adding reference numerals to the constituent elements of thedrawings, the same constituent elements are denoted by the samereference numerals whenever possible, even if the same constituentelements are illustrated in different drawings. In addition, in thefollowing description of the embodiments of the present invention, adetailed description of known functions or configurations incorporatedherein will be omitted in a case where it is determined that thedetailed description thereof hinders understanding of the embodiment ofthe present invention.

In addition, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiment ofthe present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b)may be used. These terms are intended to distinguish the constituentelements from other constituent elements, and the terms do not limit thenature, order or sequence of the constituent elements. In a case where aconstituent element is described as being “connected”, “coupled”, or“accessed” to another constituent element, although the constituentelement may be directly connected or accessed to the other constituentelement, it should be understood that another constituent element may be“connected”, “coupled”, or “accessed” between the respective constituentelements.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air conditioner for a vehicle and anelectric dust collection assembly installed therein according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle accordingto the teachings of the present invention includes a main body 11, 15which forms an outer appearance. The main body may be divided into asuction main body 11 on which the suction port 20 is formed and adischarge main body 15 in which the discharge port 30 is formed.

The suction main body 11 and the discharge main body 15 are connected toeach other to allow air to flow. Specifically, The suction main body 11and the discharge main body 15 are connected to each other so that airflows from the suction main body 11 to the discharge main body 15.However, this is an example, and the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle maybe provided as an integral main body.

A plurality of the suction port 20 and a plurality of the discharge port30 may be formed in the suction main body 11 and the discharge main body15, respectively.

The suction port 20 includes an indoor suction port 21 and an outdoorsuction port 22. The indoor suction port 21 is understood as an openingthrough which the air inside the vehicle provided with the airconditioner 1 for a vehicle flows into the inside of the main body 11.In addition, it is to be understood that the outdoor suction port 22 isan opening through which the outside air of the vehicle flows into theinside of the main body 11.

The discharge port 30 includes a front discharge port 31 and a defrostdischarge port 32. The front discharge port 31 is understood as anopening through which the air discharged from the main body 11 flowsinto the inside of the vehicle. In addition, the defrost discharge port32 is understood as an opening through which the air discharged from themain body 11 flows into the windshield of the vehicle. Through thedefrost discharge port, it is possible to remove frost formed in thewindshield of the vehicle.

This is an example, and the suction port 20 and the discharge port 30may be formed in various positions and numbers. For example, thedischarge port 30 may further include a discharge port that dischargesair to the lower side of the vehicle or a discharge port that dischargesair to the rear side of the vehicle.

In addition, the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle includes a fan and aheat exchanger installed inside the main bodies 11 and 15 but is omittedin FIG. 1 for the convenience of illustration.

Specifically, a fan may be installed inside the suction main body 11. Inother words, the fan can be disposed adjacent to the suction port 20. Asthe fan is driven, air flows into the suction main body 11 through thesuction port 20. Then, air can flow from the suction main body 11 to thedischarge main body 15.

A heat exchanger or a heater may be disposed in the discharge main body15. Accordingly, the air flowing into the discharge main body 15 passesthrough the heat exchanger or the like and can be cooled or heated andmay be discharged to the inside of the vehicle through the dischargeport 30.

In addition, the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle may further include aplurality of suction ports 20 and a damper (not illustrated) forselectively opening the discharge ports 30. For example, the damper mayopen any one of the indoor suction port 21 and the outdoor suction port22 and close the other. In addition, the damper may open at least one ofthe plurality of discharge ports 30.

In addition, in the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle according to theteachings of the present invention, an electric dust collection assembly10 is installed. The electric dust collection assembly 10 corresponds toa configuration in which dust particles or the like in the air flowinginto the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle are electrified and collected.

At this time, the electric dust collection assembly 10 may be installedin another product other than the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle.Accordingly, FIG. 1 corresponds to an example in which the electric dustcollection assembly 10 is installed. In addition, the electric dustcollection assembly 10 may be installed in an independent product (forexample, an air purifier) to remove dust particles in the air.

The electric dust collection assembly 10 includes an electrificationapparatus 100 for electric dust collection (hereinafter, electrificationapparatus) and a collector 200 for electric dust collection(hereinafter, collector).

The electrification apparatus 100 functions to electrify foreign matterssuch as dust particles in the air. The collector 200 functions tocollect dust particles and the like electrified by the electrificationapparatus 100 and remove dust particles and the like from the air.

The electrification apparatus 100 includes the conductive microfiber 120and the conductive plate 130, which will be described later. A highvoltage is applied to the conductive microfiber 120, and a groundelectrode is applied to the conductive plate 130.

Accordingly, the electrification apparatus 100 generates ions in the airto form an electric field. At this time, it is understood that theconductive plate 130 generates a potential difference with theconductive microfiber 120 to form an electric field. In addition,electrified particles can be collected on the conductive plate 130.

The collector 200 may be made of various materials collecting theelectrified particles by the electrification apparatus 100. For example,the collector 200 may be a porous fiber filter such as a nonwovenfabric. The surface of the collector 200 may be applied, coated orattached with a conductive material. Then, a predetermined current isapplied to the collector 200, so that the electrified dust particles andthe like can be collected.

In summary, dust particles or the like in the air passing through theelectric dust collection assembly 10 are coupled with the ions generatedin the electrification apparatus 100 and are electrified. Theelectrified dust particles and the like can be collected in theelectrification apparatus 100 or the collector 200.

Thus, the electrification apparatus 100 can function not only togenerate ions but also to collect electrified dust particles and thelike. Therefore, the electrification apparatus 100 may be referred to asa ‘primary filter’ and the collector 200 as a ‘secondary filter’. Dustparticles or the like in the air can be removed more easily as dustparticles or the like in the air pass through the primary filter and thesecondary filter in order.

At this time, in the electric dust collection assembly 10 according tothe teachings of the present invention, the electrification apparatus100 and the collector 200 are provided as separate devices, and thus isreferred to as “assembly” in which a separate device is assembled oradjacently installed.

Specifically, the electrification apparatus 100 and the collector 200can be produced and distributed through different manufacturingprocesses and distribution processes. In addition, the electrificationapparatus 100 and the collector 200 may be coupled to each other by aseparate coupling member or the like.

In addition, as described above, the electrification apparatus 100 canperform both the function of generating ions and the function ofcollecting dust particles. Accordingly, the electrification apparatus100 may be installed as an independent product separately from thecollector 200.

In other words, the electrification apparatus 100 may be installed in ageneral air conditioner or other products other than the air conditioner1 for a vehicle. In addition, the electrification apparatus 100 may beinstalled independently.

In addition, the electrification apparatus 100 and the collector 200 maybe installed in a predetermined product, respectively. For example, theelectrification apparatus 100 and the collector 200 may be installed inthe air conditioner 1 for a vehicle, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle isprovided with a dust collection installation portion 13 on which theelectric dust collection assembly 10 is installed. Specifically, thedust collection installation portion 13 is formed in the suction mainbody 11 adjacent to the suction port 20. Particularly, the dustcollection installation portion 13 is disposed at the lower side in theflow direction of the air flowing into the suction port 20.

This is because the air flowing into the suction port 20 is firstlypassed through the electric dust collection assembly 10. In summary, theair flowing into the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle passes through theelectric dust collection assembly 10 first, and dust particles and thelike can be removed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent foreignmatters from adhering to the fan, the heat exchanger, and the like.

In addition, the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle is provided with a faninstallation portion 12 on which the fan is installed. Specifically, thefan installation portion 12 is formed in the suction main body 11adjacent to the suction port 20. Particularly, the fan installationportion 12 is disposed below the flow direction of air in the dustcollection installation portion 13.

Therefore, in the suction main body 11, the suction port 20, the dustcollection installation portion 13, and the fan mounting unit 12 aredisposed in order in the air flow direction. Accordingly, the airflowing into the suction port 20 passes through the electric dustcollection assembly 10 and the fan in order and flows into the dischargemain body 15.

At this time, the electrification apparatus 100 and the collector 200may be installed in the dust collection installation portion 13,respectively. Particularly, the collector 200 is disposed below in theflow direction of air in the electrification apparatus. Accordingly, theair flowing into the suction port 20 can pass through theelectrification apparatus 100 and the collector 200 in order.

The electrification apparatus 100 may be installed in the dustcollection installation portion 13 in a state where the collector 200 isseated. In other words, the electrification apparatus 100 and thecollector 200 may be overlapped and seated on the dust collectioninstallation portion 13.

In addition, a portion for fixing the electrification apparatus 100 maybe formed on the inside of the dust collection installation portion 13.Accordingly, the electrification apparatus 100 may be installed in thedust collection installation portion 13, and the collector 200 may beinstalled in the lower portion of the electrification apparatus 100.

As described above, the electrification apparatus 100 and the collector200 can be managed, respectively, since the electrification apparatus100 and the collector 200 are installed, respectively. For example, theuser can separate, replace, and clean the collector 200 only in the airconditioner 1 for a vehicle.

In particular, the replacement cycles of the electrification apparatus100 and the collector 200 may be different from each other. Generally,since a larger amount of dust particles are collected in the collector200, the replacement cycle of the collector 200 can be shorter than thatof the electrification apparatus 100. Therefore, the user can replaceonly the collector 200 without the need to separate the electrificationapparatus 100.

Hereinafter, the electrification apparatus 100 will be described indetail.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views illustrating an electrification apparatus forelectric dust collection according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating theelectrification apparatus for electric dust collection according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the electrification apparatus 100,and FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the electrification apparatus100. In addition, FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of theelectrification apparatus 100 in which the respective components areseparated.

In addition, for the convenience of explanation, FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrateX, Y, and Z axes perpendicular to each other. In this case, the X, Y,and Z axes are illustrated to illustrate the relationship between eachother, and the (+) and (−) directions of each axis are notdistinguished.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the electrification apparatus 100includes a frame 110 which forms an outer appearance, conductivemicrofiber 120 which is provided on the frame 110, and a conductiveplate 130.

The frame 110 is understood as a configuration for disposing and fixingthe conductive microfiber 120 and the conductive plate 130 atpredetermined positions. In addition, the frame 110 may be mounted in aspace in which the electrification apparatus 100 is installed, forexample, the dust collection installation portion 13 of the airconditioner 1 for a vehicle described above.

In addition, the frame 110 is made of a nonconductive material and maybe formed of, for example, plastic. In addition, the frame 110 may beformed in various shapes through an injection process or the like.

The conductive microfiber 120 is understood as a configuration which isdischarged by a high voltage to ionize molecules in the air. Forexample, the conductive microfiber 120 can generate anions such as OH—,O—, and the like, or cations such as H+in the air.

The conductive microfiber 120 is connected to electric wires forapplying a high voltage but are omitted in FIGS. 2 to 4 for the sake ofconvenience. In addition, the conductive microfiber 120 may beunderstood as one end portion of an electric wire to which a highvoltage is applied.

In addition, the conductive microfiber 120 include carbon fibers. Thecarbon fibers are formed into microfibers having a diameter in themicrometer unit. When a high voltage is applied to the carbon fibers,ions are generated in the air by corona discharge.

At this time, the conductive microfiber 120 is provided in the form of acarbon brush in which hundreds or thousands of carbon fibers form onebundle. Hereinafter, one conductive microfiber 120 means one carbonbrush.

In addition, the conductive microfiber 120 is disposed on the frame 110so as to extend in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the Z-axis maycorrespond to an axis extending in the air flow direction. In summary,the conductive microfiber 120 may be disposed on the frame 110 inparallel with the flow direction of the air.

It is understood that the conductive plate 130 forms an electric fieldwith the conductive microfiber 120. In addition, a ground electric wireto which a ground electrode is applied is connected to the conductiveplate 130. Accordingly, between the conductive plate 130 and theconductive microfiber 120, a potential difference is generated and anelectric field can be formed.

In addition, electrons can be moved to the ground electrode.Accordingly, high-density ions can be generated between the conductivemicrofiber 120 and the conductive plate 130. In addition, theelectrification efficiency of dust particles and the like can beimproved due to the electric field formed between the conductivemicrofiber 120 and the conductive plate 130.

In addition, the conductive plate 130 is formed of a conductive materialsuch as metal. Accordingly, the conductive plate 130 can be understoodas a metal plate having a predetermined thickness.

In addition, since the conductive plate 130 is provided as a flat platehaving a predetermined area along the Z-axis, predetermined dustparticles and the like can be collected. In other words, the electrifieddust particles and the like can be collected in the conductive plate130. Therefore, the electrification apparatus 100 can also perform afunction of collecting the electrified dust particles and the like.

In addition, the conductive plate 130 is disposed to surround theconductive microfiber 120. Specifically, the conductive plate 130 formsa predetermined space to surround the conductive microfiber 120.

Hereinafter, the space formed by the conductive plate 130 is referred toas an electrification space 132. At this time, the electrification space132 means space closed in the X-Y-axis direction by the conductive plate130 and opened in the Z-axis direction.

In particular, the conductive plate 130 according to the teachings ofthe present invention forms a square columnar space.

Specifically, the electrification space 132 has a rectangular shape on aplane, and a rectangular columnar space extending in the Z-axis can beformed. At this time, the rectangular shape formed on the X-Y plane maycorrespond to a square. In other words, the electrification space 132can be understood as a square columnar space.

The conductive microfiber 120 is positioned at the center of theelectrification space 132. Specifically, the conductive microfiber 120is positioned at the center of the electrification space 132 on the X-Yplane and extend in the Z-axis.

At this time, the electrification space 132 refers to a space formed tosurround one conductive microfiber 120. Therefore, the electrificationspace 132 may be formed corresponding to the number of the conductivemicrofibers 120.

In summary, the conductive plate 130 forms a rectangular cross-sectionperpendicular to the flow direction of air. The conductive microfiber120 is positioned at the center of a rectangular cross-section.

The electrification apparatus 100 may include a plurality of conductivemicrofibers 120. The conductive plate 130 may form a plurality ofelectrification spaces 132 corresponding to the plurality of conductivemicrofibers 120.

The plurality of conductive microfibers 120 are disposed apart from eachother in the X-Y plane. In addition, each of the conductive microfibers120 may be disposed at the same interval as the neighboring conductivemicrofibers 120. In addition, the plurality of conductive microfibers120 may be arranged in parallel with the adjacent conductive microfibers120 along the X-axis or the Y-axis. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.2 to 4, six conductive microfibers 120 can be provided.

The plurality of electrification spaces 132 are formed on the X-Y planein a state of being separated from each other so as to correspond to theplurality of conductive microfibers 120. The conductive plate 130includes an outer plate 134 for forming the plurality of electrificationspaces 132 and an inner plate 136 for separating the plurality ofelectrification spaces 132.

The outer plate 134 can be understood as a configuration that forms anouter appearance of the conductive plate 130. Specifically, the outerplate 134 may be provided in a rectangular frame shape.

The outer plate 134 forms a space in which the plurality ofelectrification spaces 132 are combined. Specifically, the outer plate134 has a rectangular shape in the X-Y plane and forms a rectangularcolumnar space extending in the Z-axis.

The inner plate 136 may be understood as a configuration that dividesthe space formed by the outer plate 134 into the electrification spaces132. Accordingly, both ends of the inner plate 136 can be connected tothe outer plate 134. In particular, the inner plate 136 extends in theX-axis or the Y-axis. For example, the inner plate 136 may divide thespace formed by the outer plate 134 into six electrification spaces 132.

At this time, the outer plate 134 and the inner plate 136 may beintegrally formed with each other. Alternatively, the outer plate 134and the inner plate 136 may be separately fabricated and coupled witheach other.

In the electrification apparatus of the related art, the electrificationspace is formed into a cylindrical shape around the conductivemicrofiber. Thereby, air cannot flow between the electrification spaces,or a death zone can be formed which cannot be electrified.

However, in a case where the electrification space is formed into asquare columnar shape as in the present invention, there is no deadspace between the electrification spaces. Therefore, the electrificationspace per the same space can be maximized. Accordingly, the flow rate ofthe air passing through the electrification space can be maximized.

The frame 110 includes a main body frame 112 on which the conductiveplate 130 is installed and an installation frame 114 on which theconductive microfiber 120 is installed.

The main body frame 112 can be understood as a configuration that formsan outer appearance of the frame 110. In addition, the outer plate 134may be fitted to the main body frame 112. Accordingly, the main bodyframe 112 is provided in a shape corresponding to the outer plate 134.

Therefore, the main body frame 112 is provided in a rectangular frameshape as in the outer plate 134. Specifically, the outer plate 134 isinstalled on the main body frame 112 such that the outer surface of theouter plate 134 is in contact with the inner surface of the main bodyframe 112.

In addition, the main body frame 112 is provided with a plurality offixing protrusions 112 a which are in contact with the inner surface ofthe outer plate 134. In addition, the outer plate 134 may be fixed tothe main body frame 112 by means of a bonding member such as a bond.

In addition, the frame 110 further includes a cover frame 116 coupled toan upper end of the main body frame 112. The cover frame 116 may becoupled to the main body frame 112 to cover the upper end of the outerplate 134. In other words, the outer plate 134 may be fixed in theZ-axis by coupling of the main body frame 112 and the cover frame 116.

The cover frame 116 and the main body frame 112 can be hooked. Forexample, the main body frame 112 may have a hook 112 b protrudingoutwardly, and the cover frame 116 may be formed with a hook groove 116a into which the hook 112 b is inserted.

In addition, the main body frame 112 is formed with a frame installationprotrusion 112 c protruding outwardly and extending along the main bodyframe 112. The frame installation protrusion 112 c may correspond to aportion which is seated in a product on which the electrificationapparatus 100 is installed.

For example, protrusions on which the frame installation protrusion 112c is seated may be formed on the inside of the dust collectioninstallation portion 13. Therefore, the electrification apparatus 100may be installed in the dust collection installation portion 13 suchthat the frame installation protrusion 112 c is seated on theprotrusion.

In addition, the frame installation protrusion 112 c may be formed onthe outer surface of the main body frame 112. In other words, the frameinstallation protrusion 112 c may be formed on all four surfaces formingthe main body frame 112. Accordingly, the electrification apparatus 100can be installed by the frame installation protrusion 112 c irrespectiveof the direction in which the electrification apparatus 100 is installedin the product.

For example, the main body frame 112 or the conductive plate 130 isformed as a rectangular frame having a long surface and a short surface.With reference to FIG. 1, the electrification apparatus 100 is insertedinto the dust collection installation portion 13 such that end surfaceof the electrification apparatus 100 is disposed on both sides of thedust collection installation portion 13. Accordingly, the frameinstallation protrusion 112 c formed on the end surface of the main bodyframe 112 can be seated on the inner surface of the dust collectioninstallation portion 13.

The installation frame 114 is installed in an inside of the main bodyframe 112 in a state of extending into one side. In other words, bothends of the installation frame 114 are fixed to the main body frame 112.In the installation frame 114, a fixing groove 114 a into which theconductive microfiber 120 are inserted is formed. At this time, thefixing grooves 114 a are formed to correspond to the number of theconductive microfibers 120.

In addition, the frame 110 may further include an auxiliary frame 118.The auxiliary frame 118 can be understood as a configuration thatmaintains the rigidity of the frame 110. In other words, the auxiliaryframe 118 corresponds to a configuration for preventing the main bodyframe 112 and the installation frame 114 from being deformed.Accordingly, the auxiliary frame 118 may have various shapes accordingto the design and may be omitted.

As described above, the frame 110 may be formed by an injection process.Accordingly, although the frame 110 has been described in detail, theframe 110 may be integrally formed.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the air conditioner for a vehicle 1will be described. At this time, the same reference numerals are usedfor the same components as those described above, and a descriptionthereof is referred.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an air conditioner for a vehicle accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention and an electric dustcollection assembly installed therein, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view ofa portion A of FIG. 5.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electric dust collection assembly10 is installed in the air conditioner 1 for a vehicle according to theteachings of the present invention. Specifically, the electric dustcollection assembly 10 is disposed in a suction main body 11 having thesuction port 20 and the fan installation portion 12 formed therein.

The suction main body 11 is provided with a dust collection installationportion 13 on which the electric dust collection assembly 10 isinstalled. The dust collection installation portion 13 includes a firstinstallation hole 13 a into which the electrification apparatus 100 isinserted and a second installation hole 13 b into which the collector200 is inserted.

The first installation hole 13 a and the second installation hole 13 bare understood as openings formed on one side of the dust collectioninstallation portion 13. Therefore, the electrification apparatus 100and the collector 200 can be installed in the dust collectioninstallation portion 13 or can be separated from the dust collectioninstallation portion 13 through different openings.

Accordingly, the user can manage the electrification apparatus 100 andthe collector 200 more conveniently. For example, in a case where theelectrification apparatus 100 is to be cleaned, only the electrificationapparatus 100 can be separated from the dust collection installationportion 13 through the first installation hole 13 a.

At this time, the dust collection installation portion 13 may furtherinclude a partition 13 c that separates the first and secondinstallation holes 13 a and 13 b from each other. The partition 13 c isprovided so as to separate only the open side of the dust collectioninstallation portion 13. In other words, the internal space of the dustcollection installation portion 13 is not separated, and air cansmoothly flow.

Therefore, it is understood that the electrification apparatus 100 andthe collector 200 are provided in the dust collection installationportion 13 through different openings from each other but arecommunicated with each other inside the dust collection installationportion 13.

Generally, the collector 200 may have a larger area than theelectrification apparatus 100. Accordingly, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the secondinstallation hole 13 b is illustrated larger than the first installationhole 13 a. However, it is an example and is not limited thereto.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first installation hole 13 a ispositioned above the second installation portion 13 b. In other words,the electrification apparatus 100 is positioned above the collector 200.This disposition is because the flow direction of the air in the dustcollection installation portion 13 is generated from the upper portionto the lower portion thereof.

Specifically, the suction port 20 is positioned above the dustcollection installation portion 13 and the fan mounting unit 12 ispositioned below the dust collection installation portion 13.Accordingly, the flow of the air is generated from the upper portion tothe lower portion, and the air introduced into the suction port 20passes through the dust collection installation portion 13 from theupper portion to the lower portion thereof.

The collector 200 corresponds to a device for collecting dust particlesor the like electrified in the electrification apparatus 100. Therefore,the electrification apparatus 100 is positioned in the upper portion ofthe collector 200 in the flow direction of the air. Accordingly, theelectrification apparatus 100 may be positioned above the collector 200.

In addition, as the position of the suction port 20 or the faninstallation portion 12 is changed, the flow direction of the airpassing through the dust collection installation portion 13 can bechanged. Accordingly, the disposition of the first installation hole 13a and the second installation hole 13 b can be changed.

For example, in a case where the suction port 20 is positioned on theright side and the fan installation portion 12 is positioned on the leftside, the air passing through the dust collection installation portion13 flows from right side to left side. Accordingly, the firstinstallation hole 13 a may be disposed on the right side of the secondinstallation hole 13 b.

The collector 200 is installed in the dust collection installationportion 13. In addition, one end surface of the collector 200 may have asize corresponding to the second installation hole 13 b.

The electrification apparatus 100 is positioned above the collector 200and is installed in the dust collection installation portion 13. At thistime, the electrification apparatus 100 may be installed in the dustcollection installation portion 13 in various forms.

For example, the electrification apparatus 100 may be seated on theupper portion of the collector 200. In other words, the electrificationapparatus 100 can be installed in the dust collection installationportion 13 by overlapping with the collecting apparatus 200.Accordingly, the electrification apparatus 100 and the collector 200 aredrawn out through separate openings but are stacked in the dustcollection installation portion 13.

In addition, the electrification apparatus 100 may be installed at thedust collection installation portion 13 at a predetermined distance fromthe collector 200. In other words, the electrification apparatus 100 isseated on the dust collection installation portion 13 separately fromthe collector 200.

For example, a sliding protrusion 133 protruding inward is formed on theinner wall of the dust collection installation portion 13. The slidingprotrusion 133 extends from one side of the dust collection installationportion 13 to the inside thereof.

In particular, the sliding protrusion 133 may extend inward from thefirst installation hole 13 a. The sliding protrusions 133 may be formedon both side surfaces of the dust collecting and mounting unit 13.

At this time, the electrification apparatus 100 may be seated on thesliding protrusion 133. Specifically, the electrification apparatus 100is provided with a main body frame 112 having a frame installationprotrusion 112 c protruding outwardly. At this time, the frameinstallation protrusion 112 c may be seated on the sliding protrusion133.

In addition, the sliding protrusion 133 may include a first protrusion133 a and a second protrusion 133 b which are vertically spaced apartfrom each other. With Reference to FIG. 6, the first protrusion 133 aand the second protrusion 133 b extend inward from the firstinstallation hole 13 a. The frame installation protrusion 112 c may beseated between the first protrusion 133 a and the second protrusion 133b.

In summary, the electrification apparatus 100 is inserted into the firstinstallation hole 13 a such that the frame installation protrusion 112 cis disposed between the first protrusion 133 a and the second protrusion133 b. When the electrification apparatus 100 is pushed into the dustcollection installation portion 13, the frame installation protrusion112 c slides along the first protrusion 133 a and the second protrusion133 b. In other words, the electrification apparatus 100 may beslidingly coupled to the dust collection installation portion 13.

At this time, the electrification apparatus 100 may be additionallyprovided with a handle capable of being held by a user. In addition, theauxiliary frame 118 may function as the handle. Accordingly, the usercan grip the grip portion and install the electrification apparatus 100on the dust collection installation portion 13.

In addition, the dust collection installation portion 13 may be providedwith a device for lifting the electrification apparatus 100. Therefore,the electrification apparatus 100 can be fixed to the upper portion ofthe collector 200. For example, the dust collection installation portion13 may be provided with an elastic portion for supporting theelectrification apparatus 100.

In addition, in a case where the electrification apparatus 100 isseparated from the dust collection installation portion 13, theelectrification apparatus 100 may be driven to turn off the powersource. In other words, when the electrification apparatus 100 isseparated from the dust collection installation portion 13, the externalpower source can be blocked by the ON/OFF switch. In addition, a buttonfor blocking the power source may be provided on one side of the dustcollection installation portion 13. This can be understood to be for thesafety and the convenience of the user.

In addition, the conductive wire extending from the conductivemicrofiber 120 and the ground electric wire extending from theconductive plate 130 may be connected to external power source or groundby a connector. Therefore, by separating the connector, theelectrification apparatus 100 can be easily taken out from the dustcollection installation portion 13.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an air conditioner for a vehicle and anelectric dust collection assembly installed therein according to asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a state where the electric dust collection assembly10 is installed on the dust collection installation portion 13 from thefront. The configuration of the air conditioner for a vehicle 1 exceptfor the dust collection installation portion 13 is omitted, for theconvenience of illustration.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the electrification apparatus 100 is installedthrough the first installation hole 13 a, and the collector 200 isinstalled through the second installation hole 13 b. As described above,the first installation hole 13 a is positioned above the secondinstallation hole 13 b. In addition, the electrification apparatus 100is positioned above the collector 200.

In addition, the first installation hole 13 a and the secondinstallation hole 13 b are vertically divided by the partition 13 c. Inother words, the partition 13 c extends perpendicular to the directionof air flow. Accordingly, the first installation hole 13 a and thesecond installation hole 13 b can be disposed in order in the air flowdirection.

In addition, the inside of the dust collection installation portion 13is provided to be communicated. In other words, the partition 13 c isnot extended to the inside of the dust collection installation portion13. Accordingly, the air can sequentially pass through theelectrification apparatus 100 installed in the first installation hole13 a and the collector 200 installed in the second installation hole 13b.

The collector 200 is seated on the lower surface of the dust collectioninstallation portion 13. Specifically, the fan installation portion 12is provided at a lower portion of the dust collection installationportion 13, and a plurality of openings through which air flows areformed at a lower surface of the dust collection installation portion13. The collector 200 may be formed larger than the opening and may beseated on the lower surface of the dust collection installation portion13.

The electrification apparatus 100 is positioned on the upper portion ofthe collector 200 and is seated on the dust collection installationportion 13. Specifically, the electrification apparatus 100 can beseated on both sides of the dust collection installation portion 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the sliding protrusions 133 including thefirst protrusions 133 a and the second protrusions 133 b are provided onboth side surfaces of the dust collection installation portion 13. Theframe installation protrusion 112 c of the electrification apparatus 100is seated between the first protrusion 133 a and the second protrusion133 b.

Specifically, the frame installation protrusion 122 c is slidablycoupled between the first protrusion 133 a and the second protrusion 133b. In particular, the frame installation protrusion 112 c is seated onthe second protrusion 133 b. The first protrusion 133 a is positionedabove the frame installation protrusion 112 c. Therefore, it is possibleto prevent the electrification apparatus 100 from being separated due tovibration or external impact.

Through such a structure, the electrification apparatus 100 can bestably installed in the dust collection installation portion 13. Inaddition, since the electrification apparatus 100 and the collector 200are disposed apart from each other, each device can be easily separated.For example, the electrification apparatus 100 can be installed in thedust collection installation portion 13 or can be separated from thedust collection installation portion 13 irrespective of the collector200.

As a result, the electric dust collection assembly of the airconditioner for a vehicle according to the teachings of the presentinvention divides the electrification apparatus and the collector intoseparate devices. Accordingly, each device can be more easily managed,and each device can be separately managed.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1: air conditioner for vehicle    -   10: electric dust collection assembly    -   11: suction main body    -   13: dust collection installation portion    -   100: electrification apparatus (for electric dust collection)    -   110: frame    -   112: main body frame    -   112 c: frame installation protrusion    -   120: conductive microfiber    -   130: conductive plate    -   200: collector (for electric dust collection)

What is claimed is:
 1. An air conditioner for a vehicle, the airconditioner comprising: a main body that defines a suction port and adischarge port; and an electric dust collection assembly disposed insidethe main body and configured to remove dust particles from airintroduced into the suction port, the electric dust collection assemblycomprising an electrification apparatus configured to electrify the dustparticles in the air, wherein the main body comprises a dust collectioninstallation portion that is configured to receive the electric dustcollection assembly and to slidably couple to the electrificationapparatus.
 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the dustcollection installation portion comprises a sliding protrusion thatprotrudes inward from an inner wall of the dust collection installationportion and that extends along the inner wall, and wherein theelectrification apparatus comprises a frame installation protrusion thatextends along a side surface of the electrification apparatus, thatprotrudes outward from the side surface of the electrificationapparatus, and that is configured to be seated on the slidingprotrusion.
 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein theelectric dust collection assembly further comprises a collectorconfigured to collect the dust particles electrified by theelectrification apparatus and to remove the dust particles from the air,and wherein the electrification apparatus is configured to be installedat a position that is closer to the suction port than to the collector.4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the electrificationapparatus and the collector are configured to be installed in the dustcollection installation portion and spaced apart from each other.
 5. Theair conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the sliding protrusioncomprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are spacedapart from each other, and wherein the frame installation protrusion isconfigured to be disposed between the first protrusion and the secondprotrusion.
 6. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein theelectrification apparatus comprises: a frame that defines an outerappearance of the electrification apparatus; a conductive microfiberdisposed in the frame and configured to generate ions in the air; and aconductive plate disposed in the frame and configured to generate apotential difference with the conductive microfiber.
 7. The airconditioner according to claim 6, wherein the conductive plate surroundsthe conductive microfiber and defines an electrification space, theconductive plate being configured to generate an electric field in theelectrification space.
 8. The air conditioner according to claim 7,wherein the electrification space is defined in a rectangular shape. 9.The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the conductivemicrofiber comprises a carbon brush comprising a bundle of carbonfibers.
 10. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the framecomprises: a main body frame that accommodates the conductive plate; andan installation frame that is disposed inside of the main body frame andthat accommodates the conductive microfiber.
 11. The air conditioneraccording to claim 10, wherein the installation frame extends from afirst inner surface of the main body frame to a second inner surface ofthe main body frame that faces the first inner surface.
 12. The airconditioner according to claim 11, wherein the installation framecomprises a plate that defines a hole configured to receive theconductive microfiber.
 13. The air conditioner according to claim 11,wherein the installation frame comprises a pair of plates that extendbetween the first inner surface and the second inner surface of the mainbody, and wherein the conductive microfiber passes through a spacedefined between the pair of plates.
 14. The air conditioner according toclaim 11, further comprising an auxiliary frame that is disposed at abottom surface of the main body frame and that protrudes outwardrelative to a side surface of the main body frame.
 15. The airconditioner according to claim 14, wherein the auxiliary frame surroundsthe main body frame.
 16. The air conditioner according to claim 14,wherein the installation frame is disposed between the auxiliary frameand the conductive plate.
 17. The air conditioner according to claim 10,wherein the conductive plate comprises: an outer plate that extendsalong a periphery of the main body frame; and a plurality of innerplates that are disposed in the outer plate and that partition an innerspace of the outer plate into a plurality of electrification spaces, andwherein the conductive microfiber comprises a plurality of conductivemicrofibers, each conductive microfiber being disposed in one of theplurality of electrification spaces.
 18. The air conditioner accordingto claim 17, wherein the installation frame extends from a first innersurface of the main body frame to a second inner surface of the mainbody frame that faces the first inner surface, and wherein theinstallation frame extends across the plurality of electrificationspaces.
 19. The air conditioner according to claim 18, wherein theinstallation frame comprises a plate that defines a hole configured toreceive one of the plurality of conductive microfibers.
 20. The airconditioner according to claim 18, wherein the installation framecomprises a pair of plates that extend between the first inner surfaceand the second inner surface of the main body, and wherein the pair ofplates configured to receive one of the plurality of conductivemicrofibers in a space defined between the pair of plates.